Everything about the Amplified Rattler in ARC Raiders
Most people playing ARC Raiders, especially newcomers, are familiar with the Rattler weapon. It's a cheap gun you can get from the Free Loadout. But what about the Amplified Rattler in ARC Raiders? How well do you know this one? The Amplified Rattler is actually the same old gun, but it got a bunch of upgrades in the Frozen Trail 2.0 update. Those changes basically transformed it and gave it a whole new personality.
The difference between the Rattler and the Amplified Rattler in ARC Raiders
The Amplified version is basically a beefed-up version of the base gun. The weapon goes up to level 5, and some extra Nodes open up for it. Just keep in mind that these changes are permanent and can't be undone, so be careful when spending Materials on it.
What's the main upgrade on the Amplified Rattler?
The Amplified Rattler in ARC Raiders has three new Nodes that can all be equipped at the same time:
| Node | Effect | Required Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Incendiary Rounds | 5 burn damage per second, plus 2 seconds longer burn duration | 3 Fossilized Lightning |
| More Reload | Each reload puts two extra bullets in the mag | 2 Propellant Valve Assembly |
| Drum Mag | Adds 40 bullets to the magazine | 4 Pressure Regulator |
Note: These extra bullets are mostly for show and come with downsides. Recoil increases by 50%, bullet spread goes up by 30%, and aiming gets slower. Also keep in mind that More Reload is a prerequisite for Drum Mag.
Which node should we build first?
Here's my suggestion:
- Incendiary Rounds: Just increases damage.
- More Reload
- Drum Mag
How the Amplified Rattler in ARC Raiders performs
The Amplified Rattler with the Drum Mag and no attachments performs decently. And even after installing a Compensator, Angled Grip, and Padded Stock, bullet spread drops a lot, especially during the first 20 shots and up to 110 meters.
How the Amplified Rattler performs in fights
- Wasp and Hornet: Focusing on their Thrusters can finish them off.
- Shredder: You can take it down with two shots to the body.
- Matriarch and Bombardier: Shooting their armor does nothing, so you gotta aim for their weak spots.
- PVP: The Amplified Rattler in ARC Raiders is not suited for fighting other players at all.
How to turn the Rattler into the Amplified Rattler
To upgrade the Rattler into the Amplified Rattler, you need to do the following at the Outpost:
- Enter the Outpost.
- Get the Gunsmith to level 4.
- Get the Research Station to level 4.
- Get an Amplification Module (Mk. I) to level 5.
- Apply the Nodes you want at the Research Station.
Note: The prerequisites for the Amplified Rattler in ARC Raiders are really cheap, making this gun totally affordable for early game.
The downside of the Amplified Rattler
The big, bullet-filled magazine looks great at first, but it comes with a downside: you burn through ammo fast. For a normal Raid, you'll need four stacks of ammo, and for longer raids, you'll need to carry eight stacks. The weapon's durability also drops quickly.
Is the Amplified Rattler in ARC Raiders worth your time and materials?
Since the initial costs are really low, if you're into PVE, it's a good option. But for PVP, it doesn't perform well. Just remember to do Incendiary Rounds first, then add More Reload and Drum Mag if needed. Another important thing: you can't undo this upgrade, and always bring enough ammo with you on every Raid. Hope this guide helped you out. For more guides, you can check out the ARC Raiders Guide.
